Air Transport
News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.
Aircraft
CR929 Widebody Suffers Delays Due To Lack of Engine
The Comac/UAC joint venture's CR929 program might not see deliveries begin until 2030, if Western engines remain unavailable.
Aircraft
UK Aviation Industry Unhappy at Loss of EASA Membership
The post-Brexit transition period for mutual aviation license and approvals recognition ends on Dec. 31, 2022.
Accidents
Calls for Safety Vigilance Accompany Downward Accident Trends
The ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan sets a goal of reaching zero accidents by 2030.
Aircraft
Promising Future Expected for Thermoplastic Composites
Advances in high-volume manufacturing and welding of thermoplastic carbon-fiber parts prompt OEMs to study further applications for the material.
Airlines
Will Hackers Bring Down Airplanes One Day?
Airline reticence over cyber-security suggests the threat has become increasingly serious.
Aircraft
Digital Copilot Approach Cuts Pilot Workload, Say OEMs
Automation has become key in reducing pilot workload and Merlin Labs expects entry of its one-pilot solution into commercial service by end-2023.
Engines
Pratt & Whitney Pursues Transformation Through Digitalization
Well into its digitalization mission, Pratt & Whitney believes the process will lead to further agility and efficiency throughout the organization.
Aircraft
Embraer Finds Its Stride after Failed Boeing Deal
The Covid crisis and the failed sale of its commercial division has forced Embraer to sharpen its focus on efficiency and innovation.
LogTen Logbook App Adds Multitasking
The LogTen Pilot app is designed for pilots flying all types of aircraft, from general aviation to airliners.
Aircraft
ATR’s Hard-Landing Analysis Tool Proving Worthwhile
Within its first three months of service the Smart Lander tool allowed ATR to advise operators rapidly of landing gear maintenance needs.
Airlines
European Pilots Blame Disruptions on 'Deep Systemic Issues'
The European Cockpit Association has called on EASA to publish a safety information bulletin on how all stakeholders should cope with travel disruptions.
Engines
GE Automation R&D Center Focuses on MRO Challenges
Having developed automation solutions for GE Aviation plants worldwide, GE Bromont is automating inspections for engine MRO.
Aircraft
Aviation's Electric Dreams Fast Approach Reality
Several electric aircraft developers and partners supporting them with new propulsion technology expect to see their wares in service within a few years.
Airlines
EU’s Decarbonization Policies Will Drive up Costs for Airlines
Europe’s airlines express concern about the significant costs of implementing the EU’s Fit for 55 package aimed at trimming CO2 levels by 55 percent.
Engines
Green Infrastructure Critical to Hydrogen Propulsion’s Success
Hydrogen’s success as a zero-CO2 emissions aviation fuel depends largely on its production and distribution using renewable energy at huge scale.
Aircraft
Farnborough Show Set To Boost Conflicted Aerospace Industry
The aerospace and defense community has been through an existential challenge since the 2018 show, and it still faces multiple post-Covid difficulties.
Aircraft
Russia’s Slon Heavyweight Completes Latest Research Cycle
Intended to replace the An-124 Ruslan, the Slon will feature a wider cross section and more powerful engines.
White House Selects Denver Airport CEO To Lead FAA
White House FAA pick Phillip Washington has had just a year of direct aviation leadership experience, but a broad transportation management background.
Environment
EU Parliament Backs SAF Blending Mandates
The European Parliament sets ambitious targets for an EU-wide mandate to uplift SAF that includes the world’s first e-fuel uptake obligation.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SpaceX Moves a Step Closer to Airborne Satcom Service
The FCC will allow SpaceX to provide satcom services to moving vehicles, including aircraft.
Airlines
SAS Files for Chapter 11 Protection in U.S.
A strike among some 1,000 pilots has affected roughly half of SAS’s schedule and led to its decision to voluntarily enter bankruptcy protection.
Aircraft
Airbus Inks Orders for 292 A320neos with Chinese Airlines
Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Shenzhen Airlines will take A320neo-family jets under the terms of contracts signed in Beijing.
Aircraft
Start-up Promises All-electric Propulsion For 100-Seater Airliners
H3X is working on a 2.8 MW electric motor drive that it says will have the power density and redundancy needed to convert 50- to 100-seat aircraft.
Aircraft
ICAO Calls on Russia to Cease Dual Aircraft Registration
The UN’s aviation arm resolves to call on Russia to end its infractions of the Chicago Convention.
Aircraft
Feds To Audit FAA Oversight of Boeing 737, 787 Programs
The Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General confirmed that it will audit the FAA's oversight of B737 and 787 production processes.
Regulations and Government
Brexit Trade Row Puts UK Aerospace Sector Under Pressure
Trade group ADS is concerned that the UK government's breach of its Brexit trade agreement with the European Union could expose its members to new risks.
Aircraft
Boeing Preaches Pragmatism in Setting Sustainability Priorities
Divergent views of hydrogen’s immediate potential have Boeing and Airbus at odds once again.
Aircraft
Lufhansa Group CEO Sees Strengthening Yield Environment
Strong post-Covid demand combined with delays in aircraft deliveries will result in a much healthier airline industry, said Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr.
Aircraft
Airbus’s New A321XLR Will Be An Intercontinental Narrowbody Airliner
Airbus’s New A321XLR Will Be An Intercontinental Narrowbody Airliner
Airlines
Airbus CEO Doubts Prospects for a Future Very Large Aircraft
Airbus sees the European Union's "Fit for 55" policy as a “mixed bag” of some positive and not so positive measure aimed at decarbonizing air transport.
